What is the best way to hatch a Deinonychus egg in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Hatching a Deinonychus egg in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Deinonychus eggs are unique because they are not laid by tamed Deinonychus but are instead found in nests in the wild, specifically in the Valguero map. Once you have obtained a Deinonychus egg, you need to create the right conditions for it to hatch and survive. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of hatching a Deinonychus egg. Like other eggs in ARK, Deinonychus eggs require specific temperature conditions to incubate. The ideal temperature range for a Deinonychus egg is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low or too high, the egg will not hatch, and its health will deteriorate over time. To maintain the correct temperature, you can use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires. Air conditioners are the most efficient method, as they can regulate temperature more precisely and require less maintenance.

To begin, you should prepare a safe and controlled environment for the egg. Build a small incubation room or area within your base. This area should be enclosed to protect the egg from predators and environmental hazards. Place the egg in the center of the room and surround it with air conditioners. Typically, 5 to 10 air conditioners are sufficient to maintain the correct temperature, but this may vary depending on the map and climate. If you donÔÇÖt have access to air conditioners, you can use standing torches or campfires, but you will need to monitor the temperature closely and adjust the number of torches or fires as needed.

Once the egg is placed in the incubation area, it will begin to hatch after a certain amount of time. The incubation time for a Deinonychus egg is approximately 4 hours and 59 minutes. During this time, you should ensure that the temperature remains stable and that the egg is not disturbed. If the eggÔÇÖs health drops to zero, it will be destroyed, and you will need to find another egg.

After the egg hatches, a baby Deinonychus will emerge. At this stage, the baby requires constant care and attention. It will need to be fed regularly to maintain its food stat. Baby Deinonychus have a high food consumption rate, so you should stockpile a large amount of raw meat or cooked meat before the egg hatches. Place the meat in the babyÔÇÖs inventory, and it will automatically consume it as needed. You can also use a feeding trough to make the process easier, especially if you are raising multiple babies at once.

Imprinting is another important aspect of raising a Deinonychus. Imprinting increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and makes it more loyal to you. To imprint, you will need to interact with the baby periodically. The game will prompt you with specific requests, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding the baby a particular type of food. Completing these requests will increase the imprint percentage. Aim to achieve 100% imprinting for the best results. Imprinting can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly and set timers to remind you when the next imprint is due.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food supply. Baby Deinonychus grow quickly, and their food stat depletes rapidly. If the food stat reaches zero, the baby will starve and die. Always keep a close eye on the babyÔÇÖs inventory and ensure it has enough food. Another mistake is failing to protect the baby from predators. Even within your base, wild creatures or hostile players can pose a threat. Make sure your base is secure and that the baby is in a safe location.

Advanced techniques for raising Deinonychus include using a Maewing for passive feeding. Maewings are creatures that can nurse babies, reducing the amount of manual feeding required. If you have access to a Maewing, place it near the baby Deinonychus, and it will help keep the baby fed. Additionally, using a S+ Nanny from the Structures Plus mod can automate the feeding and imprinting process, making it easier to raise multiple babies at once.

Resource requirements for hatching and raising a Deinonychus include a steady supply of meat, materials for air conditioners or torches, and a secure base. If you are playing solo, managing the incubation and baby care process can be challenging due to the time commitment. Consider recruiting tribe members to share the workload. In a tribe, multiple players can take turns monitoring the egg and caring for the baby, making the process more manageable.

In summary, hatching and raising a Deinonychus in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, temperature regulation, and constant attention to the babyÔÇÖs needs. By creating a controlled environment, maintaining a steady food supply, and focusing on imprinting, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Deinonychus. Avoid common mistakes such as neglecting food or failing to protect the baby, and consider advanced techniques like using a Maewing or S+ Nanny to optimize the process. With proper planning and execution, you can add a formidable Deinonychus to your arsenal in ARK.